Once again we woke up to blue sky on the last Sunday in November and the Canada Field at Shawnigan looked very inviting for the young lads to play their final game of the season on the storied pitch. Last year’s defending champs CW showed up in big numbers, on their roster and entourage that almost made it feel like they were the home team. Our boys were unfazed to the spectacle about to unfold, warming up on the colts field with little banter, focusing on each drill coach Rattan put them through.

From the kick off, the team stayed poised, moving the ball and tackling well. Crossing the line early for the first score and though pressed in the first half with opposition having some big kids rambling with the ball, there was never a panic. Come the second half, like most games this season, the warriors kicked it up a notch and never looked back. Decisively winning 45 to 12, earning the Vancouver Island Champion for the first time in this division and only the second time for the club. Congratulations! To view the game video click HERE.

The context and outcome (s) of the second game needs a little explaining, so bare with me. First, I have to acknowledge the juggernaut of a youth rugby program that Castaway Wanderers is. Tons of kids, great coaching and organization that consistently produces winning teams, with this years u18 boys team no exception. They pumped us at home in league play, as they did everyone else through the year. Jumping back to last week’s semi final, Cowichan cited an incident in last week’s game that received a yellow card, contesting it should have been red, which suspended the player until he receives his hearing and is banned from playing in the final. This impediment is significant because this player was a prop, which left us down a specialty player that would most likely force the island final to be played with uncontested scrums.

Okay this is where it starts to get murky. CW also received a suspension last week for playing an unsanctioned player through the season, for which coaches and managers were suspended. To be clear, player exemptions are only eligible for player competency and the individual not playing to the level of his age grade. Of course we have been without two top players through the season that haven’t been allowed to be sanctioned because of their level of play. So assuming a pending blowout would benefit nobody, it was suggested (in dark corners of the universe) forfeiting the game and playing our unsanctioned players in an exhibition game. That is what ultimately happened, though not everyone was privy to the conversation with the suspensions hanging in the air. We weren’t suppose to win, which added another wrinkle but philosophically CW are better prepared to face Ravens in the BC final, having played in a very tough warm up.

Good luck to the defending Champions, keep that trophy on the island.

To view the game video click HERE.

Last, I would like to thank everyone who donated money through the website to the Cowichan player that lost his unexpectedly lost his mother.

It was a blue sky morning on Sunday and anyone heading out to play rugby was probably grateful for a clear day…plus hopeful, for a win.

That was the case for our u14s, who started strong and were never really tested other than loosing a little focus in the early second half that let Cowichan get a few scores. Besides the speedsters that made numerous line breaks, our ability to past the ball is why they finished top seed. Lot’s of change in direction with multiple players in support and some solid tackles on defense defined the game that was in hand from the beginning kick off. 56 to 28 was the recorded score but I’m pretty sure we were over 60 by my count. Regardless, its another home stand this Sunday for the Island Championships against CW at Shawnigan for an 11am kick off.

It was the only game recorded. To view click HERE.

Unfortunately the u16 game was moved to the same time slot as our u14’s except it was at piggy park on Herd Road. After the final game of the season there, the boys knew this was going to be a tough one and I was told that both sides delivered. It was a rockem sockem game that ultimately had Cowichan coming out the winner, 41 to 35. The boys emptied the tank and are wrapping the season. Good luck in the spring school league.

Retribution for the game ending loss three weeks earlier was delivered by our u18s, in a penalty riddled game that was difficult to watch at times. Cowichan came out very aggressive with an attempt to intimidate and it started working as we got deeper into the game, so the infractions mounted. Luckily some calls went our way too and three penalty kicks was a big enough lead to trump a converted try, so the boys are heading to Windsor Park and a CW rematch of the past two island finals. Kick off is 130pm.

Thank you everyone who donated to the Watson twins tragic loss of their mother. I will keep the link open until the end of the month.

Cowichan player Fisher Watson’s mother recently passed away suddenly. She was a single parent and there is no other immediate family in town, her children are facing significant and sudden financial challenges, though the Ladysmith community and her colleagues (she was a teacher there) are rallying around them.

 The club will be hosting a **fundraiser this Sunday** to provide immediate financial support to Fisher and his twin sister, as we have been told by the executor that any contribution will be extremely helpful. Could you please inform your team and encourage them to participate? A small contribution, such as buying a **50/50 ticket** or dropping spare change into a collection **hat**, will make a meaningful difference for these kids during this difficult time. Thank you for your support and for sharing this news with your team. Any donations through the Salish Website will go directly to the family if you cannot attend the game Sunday.

Donate HERE

Note kick off times have changed for Sunday. 11am for the u14s at Shawnigan, 11am for the u16s at Cowichan and 12:15 for the u18s at Cowichan.

We are waiting for this week’s slate of game results to see who each team faces in the playoffs however the Vancouver 7’s tickets have gone on sale and if you buy them through the club we get a commission until January 11, so don’t wait. There are no extra charges or fees. Thanks for the support!

Get your tickets HERE

Rivalries in sport are generally proximity based, with Cow High in school competition and the Cowichan Piggies with the club league our arch nemeses. The out-of-town players don’t always get it but the local kids definitely appreciate the significance of each game. Unfortunately, this weekend was more character building than gaining league points, however we are heading into a well-deserved break and will most likely get playoff rematches.

The u14s had a strong game and out scored the opponent 38 / 55 but we were short a few players and technically defaulted the game. Tough luck but we are still the top seed.

For game footage please view HERE.

Our u16s were again up against a bigger set of forwards and despite some formidable tackling, Cowichan started racking up tries. Kudos to the team leaders that rallied the lads for the last quarter that gave us a respectable 23 to 34 final score.

For game footage please view HERE.

The senior boys came out of the gate firing, scoring first and keeping pace throughout the game. Lot’s to cheer about with big hits and ball movement by both teams but the boys appeared to have the game in hand until the final frame. Twice the Piggies scored to come close and the Warriors would answer back however with minutes to go they capitalized on a breakdown, swung it wide for a line break taking the 27 / 25 win. That one stung and there was definitely some animosity building between the two teams that should make for a good tilt next time up. Most likely November 23rd.

For game footage please view HERE.

As noted earlier, the u18s travelled to Comox on Thursday afternoon to face the Rapids in a rescheduled game from two weeks ago. All I have is a 37 to 0 victory for Salish but we will take it.

Please note our triple header this weekend against Cowichan are away games at Herd Road, not at Shawnigan!

The rain worked in our favour and we received an extra home stand because of a soggy MacDonald Park. Unfortunately the best weather of the day happened as I was striking the hot dog stand around 3:30. Regardless it was a great showing by the boys and we came away with two of three games.

The u14s continue to show dominance against their opponents with a decisive 67 to 7 win. Even in the slick weather conditions the players moved the ball well and had some big line breaks. Undefeated and number one seed, congratulations boys!

The u16s had a much bigger task, going up against the leader in their division that definitely had more weight and experience on their side. The JBAA pack was big and formidable, pounding away with the ball in hand and tackling hard. Kudos to the team for keeping it close until we went down a player before the half and they Bays took advantage. We came out strong in the second half and managed an early try but any hope of a comeback slipped away with them answering twice. Final score was JBAA 31 Salish 7. To watch the game video please view HERE.

For the final game of the day our u18s got two starters back, Brendan Grisdale and Cohen Huisamen, which was big difference maker in our team’s flow with the ball. Both have a lot of experience that helped keep the team working together to a sure and steady effort, with 24 unanswered points and the win. To watch the game video please view HERE.

This Thursday they will travel up to Cumberland (I hope the field has lights) for the postponed game from last weekend.

Sunday we are home again for the crosstown rivals, the Cowichan Piggys. See you there!

As promised the u16 game has been uploaded to YouTube for your viewing pleasure! Please select HERE to watch the game. Unfortunately the u14 game footage needed too much editing for me to tackle this time around but I will make up for that.

Also, there is a scheduling update for this weekend. Due to concern for the field status at MacDonald Park the games will be switched to Shawnigan and we will be hosting all three JBAA teams. Kick off times are 11:00am for u14, 12:15 for u16 and 1:30 the u18. Come and say hello, I’ll be cooking hotdogs for the kids! Go Warriors!!

To Cumberland for a triple header against the Rapids. Unfortunately the u18s became unavailable to travel and had to postpone, however the young lads made the trip worth while. Both teams posting decisive wins.

The u14s were dominant with a 50 to 12 final though 50 is the maximum posted score for age grade competition. Harry, Mason, Jauco and Waylon all had their usual big impacts on both side of the ball. First tries of the year were put down by Noah, Oscar and Levi (2)! Congratulations Boys!

The u16s had a tough physical game against a bigger team and a referee that appeared to call a very one sided game. Regardless, Soup (Max Fawcett), Mason and Seamus had high work rates in the forwards. Gibson and Sam’s workloads were impressive as well, along with Rheo’s open field tackling and line breaks. Lhuma had a strong game, tackling, kicking and running the attack. Final score was 50 to 31 for the good guys.

To host our archrivals Castaway Wanderers on a gorgeous Shawnigan afternoon that produced good results for our u14 team, running away with the game, literally. At this age grade if you pass the ball well you are going to have success and that is what the boys are doing. Fun to watch.

The u16s had a grind out game that had them behind at the half but never quit, winning 33 to 17 against a solid foe. Lots of big hits and fast ball movement from start to finish but with two yellow cards mid second half, being short handed galvanized the team. Playing stoic defence and then flipping the switch to front foot once we regained full strength. It was a well-deserved win.

Unfortunately, it was a different tale with the u18s as the very polished CW team rolled an inexperienced side that was missing key players from injury or ineligibility. There are going to be some growing pains with our senior team through the fall season however the point is always to gain experience. If the boys put in the work now, it will payoff in the spring.

To the shores of Colwood that is and score lots of tries, which we did. All three Salish teams put over 50 points on the board and Westshore just couldn’t keep up. All three games were entertaining at the very least and our boys kept it respectable.

Welcome to the new season everyone! Getting the teams rolling at the same time everyone comes back to school is always a heavy lift with the first focus to select the teams for Kamloops. This year all three boy’s divisions were represented with the u14s coming home wearing gold, the u18s with bronze and the u16s getting bounced off the podium to four. Overall, it was a great showing and tournament to participate in.

Isabel Grondin, Brendan’s mom! Thank you to all who participated!

Thank you all who bought a ticket and supported our first (and not last) 50|50 raffle. We will do it again, stay tuned.

Emma’s Grandma, Judith Tatham from Mill Bay winning over $2000!

Thank you all who bought a ticket and supported our first (and not last) 50|50 raffle. We will do it again, stay tuned.

The day looked promising to start, perfect weather for rugby against a foe that both teams were well acquainted with facing them in last year’s final as well.

 Our u14 boys came out flying, moving the ball with ease and scoring first. CW responded quickly though, and it was a well played back and forth first half with big runs from both sides. Unfortunately, the second half we lost the handle on the ball, and it seemed that every time we were on the attack there would be an unforced error aka a knock on. They took advantage of those errors and scored three consecutive tries to widen the margin however the boys kept battling to the end. An island championship was not to be and for the second year in a row it would remain in Oak Bay.

 The u18’s also started the game with their foot on the gas pedal and there were some huge hits on both sides, however one quick error and boom they scored. We quickly responded but missed the kick and they managed two more with conversion, so it was 21 to 5 at the half. The lads dug in, scoring another unconverted try and both teams kept hammering at each other with players going down. In what seemed like a tide turning moment Cohen made a big run inside the 22 meter and was tackled just short of the goal, then making one thrust to score he lost control of the ball. We kept pressing but we just couldn’t punch it over with multiple chances and time ran out. Catch the game here; https://app.veo.co/matches/cw-rugby-20241202-u18boys-vs-salish-4ec9d47c/

 Playing for the bonze medal in their division, the u16 girls were also in play against cross town rivals Cowichan. Lots of scoring through the game but ultimately came up a try short. We do have GoPro referee footage here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3NsGHCcZ9I

 That is it for league play, however both u16 boys and girls are heading to Florida this spring for the tropical 7s as Salish teams. We are working on some fundraising for that tour, which we are hoping to include an on line 50/50 draw. All efforts will be announced through the website so we will be in touch.

 Thank you to all the coaches, managers and volunteers that helped make this season happen. A big acknowledgement to Shawnigan Lake School for their support and the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands we are grateful for the opportunity to play this great sport.

With only the top 4 seeds in each division squaring off in semi final play but all teams getting a match, our u16 boys team headed to Westshore to try and finishing the year with a win. Though we never faced them during the season, they got the default because of the reading break. Today the guys did it, with a strong performance and motivational win that should serve them well come the school league this spring. Congratulations to Lourens for leading the team!

The u16 girls on the other hand were in tough and got spanked for a second time this year against Comox. They will however live to play another game next week against Cowichan at Herd Road for the consolation final.

The u14 and 18 boys received home games as the number 2 seeds respectively in their divisions, both playing host to that other Duncan team, the piggies. Our young guns really took it to the opposition with no points against and a win big. The second game was a different story and though we were never behind on the score board, it was a rough and tumble contest from start to finish. Loads of unforced errors and penalties on both sides that kept everyone watching on edge right to the end. That will need to be cleaned up if we want a positive outcome next weekend at Windsor Park.

Well it was another soggy Sunday, this time at MacDonald Park in James Bay with all four teams finishing off their league play.

First up was the U14 boys that are really looking sharp moving the ball with ease and making their tackles. They cruised to an easy win and finished second seed in the standings, earning a home game next weekend for the semi finals against Cowichan.

Playing on side by side fields both of our U16 teams got to play in the muck, however it was a tougher go. The boys managed to score a try early in the second half to tie the game but lightening would not strike twice for us and the Bays managed a closing score to seal the victory on a tight game. Our girls were also up against a strong opponent and struggled to keep ball in hand with such sloppy conditions. Both teams play for pride in away games next weekend.

Even with the Mount Douglas Rams football players bolstering the JBAA lineup the U18 boys game was a wash out literally and by half time we had players switching positions to try making a game of it. By the third game in a row, the field was a mud pit and the ball was very slick however we moved it well other than the multiple forward passes. Hopefully it dries out a bit for next weekend where we also host the piggies as the second seed.

The strategy was to request a home game this second weekend of the break (which was granted) and reschedule (which proved difficult), so we scraped together anyone available.

Our U16 girls ventured north to Comox facing a tough Rapids team (again Westshore schedule) that are vying for top seed with Cowichan. Not sure what the head count was or how many Salish made the trip, but it was a fruitless result with ten tries to their favour. The U16 boys had to forfeit the game, with only a small group of local kids available.

The Brightside was our U14 boys matched the opponents’ numbers and ran circles around them. Heading into next week and the last league game at MacDonald Park in James Bay, the boys are the number two seed with a one-point differential on CW. The U18 boys also circled the wagons and managed to play a full fifteen a side game against a spirited Westshore team. It was good to get Milo back in action and we managed to double their score, however it will be good to have DJ, Thymen, Rio, George and Greg back for next week’s tilt against the Bays.

Here is some live action from the U18 game; https://youtu.be/IKLFG_AcHCg

In the first of two reading break weekends, we originally had this one off with all four teams however the girls combining with Westshore had them picking up their schedule. They played at Juan de Fuca and clobbered the north island selects whom appear to be struggling without support from the strong Comox side. They are up next week.

This weekend it was the three boy’s teams heading to the Cowichan Piggies home field at Herd Road, on a day that saw rain and wind blowing sideways.

 The U14’s played brilliantly and though it was only a couple try win; we really out played them the whole game, passing the ball and running to space. The U16’s were in tough against a fairly even opponent and traded scoring for the first half until Cowichan’s strength started to dominate. Tough to score if you don’t have the ball and that was the case a lot of the final frame.

 The U18’s got a solid win and looked strong at times but some sloppy play along with dubious calls, kept the piggies in play the whole game. The weather was miserable, so clean ball was rare, and I lost count at the times we were poised to score without finishing.  We will take it though and hope things dry up a bit. The girls had a bye weekend.